Gone but not forgotten: Those lost at war remembered in Meredith

MEREDITH — Dozens gathered to commemorate Memorial Day, marching between the town’s cemeteries and holding a gathering at Meredith Public Library Monday morning.

“When peril threatened, and their country called, with what divine self-sacrifice they left their passive peace to spring to arms to make their breasts to barricade against the nation’s foes,” said Bob O’Neill, American Legion past president. “No sorrow for the loved ones left behind could dim the purpose in their souls, no weariness of march or watch could keep them from their heart’s desire. No horror of the field, or sea, or air could keep their courage down. They fought for us, for us they fell.”

Members of the American Legion, Meredith Auxiliary, Boy Scouts, Inter-Lakes High School marching band and Meredith Fire Department marched down Main Street from the legion post on Plymouth Street to cheers and fanfare from citizens.

Those in the procession spent the morning at Oakland, Meredith Village and Lang Street cemeteries laying wreaths before finishing the march at Hesky Park, where another wreath was laid at the base of the Prisoners of War and Missing in Action memorial.

Sticking it out through the cold and rain was U.S. Army veteran Elliot Finn, who served during World War II, the Korean Conflict and was an Army reservist through the Vietnam War. 

Finn, in his remarks before a large crowd in front of the memorial on the lawn of the Meredith Public Library, said Americans ought to remember the sacrifices made by those who died at war. 

“Flag Day, Armed Forces Day, Independence Day. Throughout the years, two of these holidays, Memorial Day and Veterans Day, are often confused for each other and can be easily misunderstood,” he said. “Today we gather to remember and honor our deceased veterans. Understanding the differences of Memorial Day versus Veterans Day might seem confusing at first — they do both honor the military community.”

Finn said Memorial Day has a long and storied history unique to the United States. 

“Memorial Day, which is celebrated today, honors servicemembers who have died in military service to our nation. The holiday has roots dating back to the post-Civil War era, when citizens would informally place spring flower memorials on the graves of fallen soldiers,” he said. “On May 5, 1866, the town of Waterloo, New York, formalized this ritual and hosted a city-wide Decoration Day.”

It was an act of Congress which enshrined Memorial Day for all time, but Finn said individual citizens should do their part to pass the tradition along through education and observation. 

“In 1868, Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, which established Memorial Day as the last Monday in May,” he said. “That’s why we’re here today. Memorial Day is often associated with the start of summer, but you have the power to educate those around you and take a moment to pay tribute to the fallen.”

While there are a number of observations throughout the year which honor military veterans, Finn said it’s important to focus on those who died in military action on Memorial Day. 

“Memorial Day is a time to reflect on the lives of the men and women of this country who were willing to make the ultimate sacrifice to ensure our freedoms,” Finn said. 

Meredith Selectboard Chair Lynn Leighton asked community members to keep those lost at war at the forefront of their minds on Memorial Day. 

“Originally called Decoration Day, honoring soldiers lost during the Civil War, we now recognize this day as Memorial Day, honoring all military loss. Today is a day of honor and remembrance of our nation's heroes giving the ultimate sacrifice — their lives lost defending our freedoms,” Leighton said. “Please be kind, please have patience, extend a helping hand. Keep in mind the person beside you, behind you or in front of you may not feel this day as a celebration but remembering and honoring, with a heavy heart, a loved one lost.”

O’Neill said that Memorial Day, though primarily meant to honor lost military service members, also serves as a poignant reminder of the blessings afforded the living by sacrifices made. 

“May the ceremonies of today deepen our reverence for our departed friends and comrades. Let us renew our pledge of loyalty to our country and to its flag. Let us resolve by word and deed, to emphasize the privilege and the duty of patriotism,” O’Neill said. 

And Col. Richard Duncan, former chief of staff for the New Hampshire National Guard, said honoring those lost on Memorial Day is of great importance in front of the state POW/MIA memorial.

“I’m honored to stand here at Hesky Park, a place of such reverence for our prisoners of war and those missing in action. When we look back at where this day began, we see individuals wracked with the loss of their loved ones in battle, went to gravesites and adorned them with flags, decorations, in remembrance of them,” he said. “This was during one of the most difficult times of our nation’s history — the Civil War.”